Top Racehorse Scores in the Scone Palace Show Ring

Ronnie Bartlett’s 10-year-old Stattler was victorious in the Tattersalls Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) amateur ridden show horse qualifier with his rider Beth Clark. The pair led a 20-strong class on what was only their sixth appearance in the ring.

The Stowaway son was formerly in training with Willie Mullins and his most notable victory was in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022. He also ran in the 2024 Grand National. He was retired from racing as an eight-year-old.

“He was a very good racehorse during his time,” confirmed Beth, who works for Stattler’s owner Ronnie, himself a former owner of event horses and, through his Albert Bartlett company, a major sponsor in racing and equestrian sport. “I was so honoured when Ronnie gave me the opportunity to produce him, though this is also my first season in showing.”

Stattler has smoothly transitioned from racehorse to show horse, as Beth explained: “He makes it easy for me. He originally went out on loan after his retirement, but after returning home and having some time out in the field, he’s really taken to showing. He’s an absolute gem and is a pleasure to produce.”

Stattler didn’t bat an eye while competing in the beautiful grounds of Scone Palace next to Perth Racecourse. 

“He didn’t get himself wound up at all and he was happy all day, performing with his ears pricked throughout,” Beth added. “We hope he could go all the way and while he’s still learning I’d love to qualify him for one of the big RoR finals in the future.”

The open RoR class was secured by Hazel McArthur aboard her own 10-year-old Wardaddy. He was formerly trained by Keith Dalgleish but had only one start on the Flat. He bowed out from racing in 2018 and has continued to succeed in the show ring ever since.

Scone Palace International Horse Trials is the most exciting addition to the national calendar in years, and takes place in the beautiful grounds below Scone Palace in Perthshire, with all the advantages of the excellent permanent facilities of the adjacent Perth Racecourse. As well as international eventing classes and the Scottish Grassroots Championships, there are a multitude of showing classes, arena eventing, Pony Club Games and British Showjumping competitions, including the The Malcolm Group Scone Palace Grand Prix.

There is superb shopping with a carefully curated selection of local and national retailers, excellent food and drink options and hospitality packages, and great evening entertainment.

Scone Palace is on the northern outskirts of Perth, and has excellent accessibility from the newly opened Cross Tay Link Road over the River Tay from the A9 and the A93 and A94.

For more information, including a full timetable, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.sconehorsetrials.com.

Action from all three phases of the international eventing classes can be watched live on ClipMyHorse.TV.